Eating

Where To Eat In Rotterdam: Traditional Food And International Cuisine

Whether you want to try traditional Dutch dishes, indulge in gourmet food, or discover flavors from other parts of the world, Rotterdam has over 1,500 restaurants to choose from.

As a modern, multicultural city, Rotterdam offers cuisines from almost every corner of the world, alongside an interesting selection of local dishes you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Traditional dishes of Rotterdam and Dutch cuisine

Uitsmijter: A hearty breakfast with bread, fried eggs, ham, cheese, or bacon.
Pannenkoeken: Pancakes or crepes served both sweet and savory.
Poffertjes: Mini pancakes, typical at fairs or markets.
Oliebollen: Sweet doughnuts, very popular on New Year’s Eve.
Appeltaart: The classic Dutch apple pie.
Frikandel: Minced meat sausage, commonly found at street food stalls.
Kroket and Bitterbal: Breaded meat croquettes, ideal as appetizers.

Haring: Raw herring with onions, a true local experience.
Kibbeling: Fried white fish chunks, very typical at markets.
Paling: Smoked eel, a delicacy for some, a curiosity for others.
Hutspot: A stew made with potatoes, carrots, and onions, served with smoked sausage.
Stamppot: Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and served with “rookworst” (smoked sausage).
Snert (Erwtensoep): Thick pea soup with meat, perfect for winter.
Mosselen: Mussels steamed and served with fries.
Kapsalon: A street dish created in Rotterdam, made of shawarma, fries, cheese, sauces, and salad.
Friet or Patat: Thick fries served with mayonnaise or various sauces.

International restaurants in Rotterdam

One of the most surprising things for visitors to Rotterdam is the vast variety of world cuisines available.

Based on local and expat recommendations, here’s a selection by country:

🍜 ASIA

Malaysian: Kampong Express, Old Town Indonesian: Papaya
Thai: De Kleine Ondeugd, Mie Ho Thai
Vietnamese: Little V, Noo.Me
Japanese: Temsai Ramen, Sapporo Ramen Kitchen, Takumi, Japanese Cuisine Yama, Kyatcha
Korean: YuGuo, HOY Kitchen, Bap Boss
Chinese: De Chinese Boot (buffet), Sranang Eethuis (also Surinamese)

🥙 MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Afghan: Restaurant Kite, Afsana
Turkish: Beymem, Sultan (Zuidplein), West Kervan
Moroccan: Ryad, Fes, Mosaic
Ethiopian: Viva África
African: Mama Essy, De Smaak van Africa, Bazar

🥐 EUROPE

Portuguese: Bon Gusto, De Kip Gallery
Spanish: Lokanta Proeflokaal, Destino, Pinchos, Fenix, La Cazuela
Greek: Olympia
Italian: Nerello, O’Pazzo, Osteria Vicini, Happy Italy French: De Harmonie, Amarone
English: V11
Dutch: Parkheuvel, Loetje

🌮 AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Mexican: Sabor Sabor, Salsa Mexicaans
Dominican: La Bandera, Casa del Mofongo
Caribbean: Supermercado, Caribbean Swing, Blue Caribbean
Argentine: Gauchos
Brazilian: Rodizio

🥗 Vegetarian and vegan options in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is also very veggie-friendly. If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan food, these well-regarded options are great to try:

Gare du Nord: Vegan restaurant in a train carriage
The Harvest: Seasonal and sustainable ingredients
Spirit Rotterdam: Vegetarian and vegan buffet
Klaar Gemaakt: Healthy, modern cuisine

🐟 Fish and seafood

For seafood lovers:

Langoest: Fresh seafood and fish
Hotel New York: A classic waterfront spot, great for dining with a view
Wowcrab: Cajun-style seafood
Vis op de Dijk: Fish shop with dining options
Kaat Mossel: An iconic Rotterdam seafood spot.

🔥 Bbq and meat

Black Smoke: A BBQ temple with smoked meats and an industrial atmosphere

Where to eat cheap in Rotterdam

If you’re looking for affordable places to eat well in Rotterdam, these are highly recommended:

Happy Italy: Quick Italian, ideal for families
Viapacio: Local Italian with reasonable prices
Sranang Eethuis: Surinamese and Chinese food, very popular with locals
Hema: A simple, budget-friendly cafeteria on the top floor

Buffet restaurants in Rotterdam

A popular way to enjoy a variety of dishes for a fixed price:

La Cubanita: Spanish and Mexican tapas
Zainab Roshni Mahal: Indian food
Sumo / Shabu Shabu / Miso Sushi: Sushi and Asian cuisine
De Chinese Boot: Chinese buffet on a boat

Other options to go out in Rotterdam